MOM's compassion just got the "Bum's Rush"!!

[MsPat1211]

Recently I filed a Small Claims suit in Florida ($5000) against a 21 y/o college student (my daughter's ex-boyfriend). I also named his parents as defendents. Insomuch as his parents claim him as a dependent on their IRS income taxes, as a full-time college student, I reasoned that I could conceivably pursue them for the debt. Do I have a prayer using this premise??

A little background:
About six months ago, I was approached by this young man with an impassioned plea for financial assistance and a "new start" in life. Based on our three year "extended family" relationship, and my intimate knowledge of his estrangement from his parents, both financially and compassionately, we reached an agreement and a plan of repayment. When he was gainfully employed at a part-time job, I purchased him a used car, opened a checking account for his college tuition, paid his half of the rent on the apartment he shared with my daughter, and purchased him a cell phone. Shortly thereafter, he breached the trust between us and abandoned his financial responsibility to me. When I approached his parents and apprised them of the circumstances, I received a promise to pay and a request for supporting documents which I immediately provided. Inasmuch as they reneged on their promise, I had no alternative but to seek a remedy through the courts.

The answer to your 1st question....NO! I didn't get anything in writing!!!
The answer to your 2nd question....YES! I know how foolish that was!!! .... but I'm a MOM who loved this kid as my own!

Do I have any sort of legal stance for recoupment????

 

[JETX]

Q1) "I reasoned that I could conceivably pursue them for the debt. Do I have a prayer using this premise??"
A1) No. The borrower was over 18, his parents have NO responsibility for his actions. And even though they might have verbally agreed to be involved, that won't stand in court.

Q2) "Do I have any sort of legal stance for recoupment????"
A2) Yes. Sue the young mans ass off (for the full amount) and then get in line with all his other victims to try to get paid.

One question though... since your post said you already knew of "his estrangement from his parents, both financially and compassionately,", why, WHY, did you go to his parents with his bill?

Lesson 1: NEVER, NEVER loan money to anyone without a written agreement.

Lesson 2: NEVER, NEVER loan money to someone who has already shown that he is a deadbeat, without some substantial security.

Lesson 3: NEVER, NEVER loan more money than you are willing to throw away.

Lesson 4: See lessons 1, 2 and 3.